Air Fryer Frozen Drumsticks: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Cooking frozen drumsticks in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare chicken. The cooking time varies depending on the temperature of the air fryer and the number of drumsticks being cooked, but it typically takes between 20 and 28 minutes.

Cooking time for frozen drumsticks

If you're cooking frozen drumsticks in an air fryer, you'll need to allow for at least double the cooking time compared to unfrozen drumsticks. Most sources recommend cooking frozen drumsticks for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees, flipping them halfway through. However, one source suggests cooking them for 26-28 minutes at 400 degrees.

To ensure your drumsticks are cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. It should read 165F/74C.

If you're making a large batch of drumsticks, it might be quicker to cook them in the oven rather than doing multiple batches in the air fryer. You can cook them on a baking sheet with a cooling rack for faster, more even cooking.

Leftover drumsticks can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, put them in the air fryer at 400F for 4-5 minutes to re-crisp the skin.

Cooking temperature

When cooking frozen drumsticks in an air fryer, the cooking temperature will vary depending on the desired level of crispiness.

Some recipes recommend setting the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, while others suggest a higher temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a crispier result. It's important to note that the cooking time will also depend on the number of drumsticks being cooked. If you're cooking a large batch, it might be more efficient to use the oven method, as it can accommodate more drumsticks at once.

For a standard-sized batch of frozen drumsticks, cooking them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, should yield good results. However, if you prefer your drumsticks extra crispy, you might consider increasing the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cooking them for 26-28 minutes.

To ensure even cooking and browning, it's important to flip the drumsticks halfway through the cooking process. Additionally, using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat is a reliable way to determine doneness. The ideal internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 74 degrees Celsius.

By following these temperature and timing guidelines, you can achieve juicy and crispy air-fried frozen drumsticks that are cooked through and safe to enjoy.

Seasoning

When cooking frozen drumsticks in an air fryer, it's important to season them properly to ensure they're tasty and juicy. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to season your drumsticks:

First, remove the air fryer basket from the air fryer. Brush the chicken drumsticks with cooking oil to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior. You can use olive oil or any other cooking oil of your choice.

Next, it's time to season! Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the drumsticks. You can also add other seasonings like smoked paprika, Creole seasoning, or any of your favourite herbs and spices. Make sure to coat the drumsticks evenly on all sides.

After seasoning, return the drumsticks to the air fryer basket. It's important to note that you should not overcrowd the basket. If you're cooking a large batch, you may need to cook the drumsticks in multiple batches or consider using an oven, as air fryers work best when there's enough space for hot air to circulate.

During the cooking process, you'll need to flip the drumsticks halfway through. This ensures even cooking and browning. When you flip the drumsticks, you can sprinkle on some more seasoning to enhance the flavour.

Finally, when the drumsticks are cooked through, remove them from the air fryer and serve them with your favourite dipping sauces or sides. To check if they're fully cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat; it should read 165°F/74°C.

By following these seasoning tips, you'll end up with delicious, juicy, and flavourful drumsticks cooked to perfection in your air fryer!

Reheating

If you are reheating leftover drumsticks, you can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 400F for 4-5 minutes to re-crisp the skin. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds.

Storing

It's important to store your cooked chicken drumsticks correctly to ensure they stay fresh and safe to eat. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your drumsticks after cooking them in an air fryer:

Firstly, make sure your drumsticks are completely cooled before storing them. You can speed up the cooling process by placing them on a wire rack or in a shallow container to increase air circulation. Once they're cooled, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminium foil or plastic wrap.

Leftover chicken drumsticks can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Be sure to label the container with the date and time they were cooked, so you know exactly how long they've been stored. It's also a good idea to store them on a shelf or in a drawer that's easily accessible, so you don't forget about them!

If you're not planning to eat the drumsticks within the next few days, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Again, make sure they're wrapped tightly or placed in a freezer-safe container before putting them in the freezer. To thaw, simply move them from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before you plan to eat them.

Reheating is simple—you can either microwave the drumsticks for 20-30 seconds or pop them back into the air fryer until they're crispy and heated through. Just be sure to check that they're heated evenly and thoroughly before serving. Enjoy your delicious and safely stored chicken drumsticks!

Frequently asked questions